Whining Automakers

Surprise, surprise - Toyota is refusing to raise its auto prices in the U.S. in order help out its American competitors. The only reason Toyota would consider such an illogical move to begin with is to fend off calls by U.S. automakers for protectionist legislation. (Hat tip: Outside the Beltway.)

Today, a large percentage (maybe even a majority) of Toyota vehicles sold in America are made in America. Obviously, Toyota has figured out the right formula for producing automobiles right here in the good ol' USA. What's the problem with Ford and GM?

The last few decades proved that foreign competition has been a major factor in saving the U.S. auto industry from itself. Detroit automakers had become bloated and lazy in the '70's. Putting it bluntly, their cars sucked. Foreign manufacturers took advantage of this weakness, and marketed automobiles in America that came to be known for their quality and innovation. It was only after losing a huge chunk of their customer base to foreign companies that the Big Three were forced to respond to consumer demand by producing better, cheaper automobiles.

Instead of whining about foreign competition, maybe U.S. automakers should follow the lead of their competitors and move to Dixie, where the regulatory environment is more favorable and unions are less powerful. Maybe they can come up some better ideas. But, the last thing anyone should consider is shielding U.S. manufacturers from market competition by imposing tariffs or "voluntary" import quotas or price increases.